Cloud-based server technology is changing the way that developers, startups, and businesses build and manage their applications. Now, organizations are able to install and manage expensive server hardware in just minutes instead of days or weeks through a cloud service provider. As a result, businesses can easily increase the size of their software development teams without having to spend more money on building infrastructure to support their development process, and instead have greater control over the software they are developing.
One good example of an operating system often used by server operators around the world is CentOS Stream 9. CentOS Stream 9 is a current example of an operating system, making it stable, reliable, and optimised for performance and security. Developers use a CentOS Stream 9 Linux Server as an option, as it provides enterprise-level functionality at no cost because it is free and open source.
Cloud computing systems are available for enterprises as high-performing servers to serve as application hosts and provide development/test environments. One such cloud service provider is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which features numerous server-hosting options and applications to run on those host services. AWS EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) will allow you to create virtual machines in the cloud with a pay-as-you-go payment method. This means that AWS EC2 is appropriate for many types of users, such as developers, startups, and organizations that need to grow and develop their business.
This CentOS 9 on AWS guide provides step-by-step instructions for getting CentOS Stream 9 up and running on AWS. You will learn how to create a CentOS Stream 9 instance, how to set up the necessary security settings, how to connect to your CentOS Stream 9 instance, and how to do the basic configuration required for your CentOS Stream 9 instance. This guide is intended for all AWS Internet users, including those who are brand new to cloud computing, and will help them learn to use the cloud by way of simple-to-follow steps.
What is CentOS Stream 9 ?
CentOS 9, or CentOS Stream 9 Stream 9, is a next-generation Linux operating system based on the latest version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) that provides enterprises with a stable and long-term supported platform for running their applications. It serves as the rolling preview of what will be released in RHEL so that users can prepare for the next update.
CentOS is used as a platform for hosting websites, building application development environments, and developing cloud-based applications on top of other technologies. For this reason, many organizations choose to use CentOS Stream 9 because it offers the same level of reliability, security, and performance as RHEL, while also providing access to the same tools and packages through DNF as do all other RHEL systems.
CentOS Stream 9 has many key traits that make it a great enterprise Linux OS. It has solid security updates, an extremely stable OS environment, and compatibility for enterprise software.
Furthermore, it is developer-friendly and therefore a great operating system platform for DevOps, testing, and deployment. As an enterprise Linux OS, CentOS Stream 9 is often used as the OS platform for hosting and running applications on servers, deploying cloud-based applications and services, and running large-scale DevOps initiatives.
What is AWS EC2?
With Amazon’s EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) you can run a virtual server in the cloud rather than buy physical hardware it will be up and running in a few minutes. The EC2 instance acts like any standard server, but it resides inside of Amazon’s worldwide Cloud Infrastructure, allowing you to select from various hardware configurations, Operating Systems, and storage options, depending upon your requirements.
The flexibility of Amazon EC2’s pricing model allows customers to only be charged for what they use in terms of compute resources, which is a significant benefit to developers, start-ups, and businesses trying to keep costs down while scaling applications.
Also, the fact that users can enjoy the many benefits associated with EC2 like high availability, simple deployments, and built-in security features, is just another example of how AWS provides a global network of data centres enabling customers to deploy a virtual server in close proximity to their customers facilitating improved performance and reliability.
Why Run CentOS Stream 9 on AWS?
The combination of CentOS Stream 9 and AWS provides users with a powerful and flexible cloud server environment. The stable operating system offered by CentOS Stream 9, along with the reliable infrastructure offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), creates a solid foundation for hosting applications and managing the various servers they depend on.
One major advantage of using CentOS Stream 9 with AWS is its enterprise-class stability. Because CentOS Stream 9 shares many of the same underlying technologies as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, you can expect excellent performance and frequent security updates for your CentOS Stream 9 installation. Additionally, when you run CentOS Stream 9 on AWS, the stability of your CentOS Stream 9 environment will be complemented by Amazon’s highly available Cloud infrastructure.
A further benefit of AWS is its ability to grow and shrink depending on your needs. For this reason you can begin with a small instance of server resources and then scale that server up to meet the demands of your growing applications as necessary.
One of the most popular operating systems used in conjunction with AWS EC2 is CentOS Stream 9 , as it provides a flexible place for developing, testing, and deploying applications. Some typical examples of when to use AWS include hosting web sites; running application servers; building environments for development, creating test environments; and providing cloud-based services.
Prerequisites Before Launching CentOS Stream 9 on AWS
Before trying to set up AWS EC2 with CentOS Stream 9, you will want to make sure you have everything prepared so the setup will go smoothly and quickly.
- You will need an AWS account; if you do not already have one, you may sign up through the Amazon Web Services website. You may receive requests for basic verification information before activating your account.
- You should have a basic understanding of Linux commands; it does not need to be advanced, however, having some knowledge of using the terminal will benefit you when you are trying to manage your server.
The next thing you will need is an SSH client, which is software you use to create a connection with your cloud hosting provider.
For example, if you are using macOS or Linux, you can use the built-in terminal. If you are a Windows user, you could use the commonly used PuTTY or Windows Terminal as potential options. Furthermore, you will also need to have a high-speed & stable internet connection because you will be connecting to your server remotely using SSH.
Some optional software applications you could install to help make managing your hosting environment easier would be AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) for managing AWS resources via the command line interface. If you are using Windows, you can download and install PuTTY with a few simple steps to make it easier to connect to your hosting provider.
Step-by-Step Guide to Launch CentOS Stream 9 on AWS EC2
Sign in to AWS Management Console
To start, navigate to the AWS website and log into your account; once you log in, you’ll see the AWS Management Console dashboard.
In order to locate the EC2 Dashboard, navigate through the list of services until you find & EC2—this is where you can create and manage all of your cloud servers, storage devices, and network configurations.
Launch a New EC2 Instance
To create a new web server using Amazon EC2, you must click “Launch Instance” from the EC2 console (the area where you manage your Amazon EC2 instances). Next, you will provide an instance name for your instance (this helps identify your instance).
Next, you will need to select a geographic location (AWS Region) for your instance to operate in. The AWS region you choose will be the physical location of the server on which your instance runs. Selecting a geographical location close to the users who will be accessing the server will help improve performance and reduce latency.
Choose CentOS Stream 9 AMI
Next, you need to select an operating system image. In AWS, this is called an AMI (Amazon Machine Image).
Search for CentOS Stream 9 Stream 9 AMI and select it. The AMI contains the operating system and preconfigured software needed to launch your server.
Always choose images from trusted sources, such as official marketplace listings or verified publishers. This ensures your CentOS Stream 9 AWS server is secure and stable.
Select Instance Type
AWS offers many instance types, each with different CPU, memory, and performance levels.
For beginners or small projects, common options include:
- t2.micro
- t3.micro
- t3.small
Some of these options may be free-tier eligible, which means new AWS users can run them at no cost for a limited period.
Choosing the right instance type depends on your workload and expected traffic.
Configure Key Pair for SSH Access
Before launching the instance, you must create a key pair. This key pair allows you to securely connect to your server using SSH.
Create a new key pair and download the .pem file. Keep this file in a safe location because it is required every time you connect to your server.
If you lose the key file, it can be difficult to access your instance again.
Configure Security Groups
A security group acts like a firewall for your AWS instance. It controls which network traffic is allowed to reach your server.
For a typical CentOS Stream 9 EC2 server, you should allow the following ports:
- SSH (22) – for secure remote login
- HTTP (80) – for web traffic
- HTTPS (443) – for secure websites
These rules allow administrators to connect to the server and users to access hosted websites.
Launch the EC2 Instance
After reviewing all settings, click Launch Instance. AWS will start creating your server.
Within a few moments, your CentOS Stream 9 on AWS EC2 instance will be running. You will see its status change to “Running” in the EC2 dashboard.
At this point, your cloud server is ready to connect.
How to Connect to Your CentOS Stream 9 EC2 Instance?
Once the server is running, the next step is connecting to it.
Using SSH (Linux or Mac)
Open your terminal and run the following command:
ssh -i keypair.pem CentOS Stream 9@your-public-ip
Replace keypair.pem with your downloaded key file and your-public-ip with the public IP address of your EC2 instance.
This command connects you securely to your CentOS Stream 9 cloud server.
Using PuTTY (Windows)
Windows users often connect using PuTTY.
First, convert the .pem key file into a .ppk format using PuTTYgen. After converting the key, open PuTTY and enter your server’s public IP address.
Select the converted key file and start the connection. Once connected, you will have full access to your server’s terminal.
Initial Server Setup After Launch
After connecting to your CentOS Stream 9 EC2 instance, the first step is updating the system packages. Updates ensure your server has the latest security patches and software improvements.
- Run the following command:
- sudo dnf update -y
- Next, install some basic tools that are commonly used on Linux servers.
- sudo dnf install nano wget git -y
- These tools help with file editing, downloading files, and managing code repositories.
- You should also configure the firewall to allow web traffic.
- sudo firewall-cmd –permanent –add-service=http
- sudo firewall-cmd –reload
This basic setup prepares your CentOS Stream 9 AWS server for hosting applications or websites.
Install a Web Server on CentOS Stream 9 (Optional)
If you plan to host a website, you can install the Apache web server on your instance.
- Install Apache using the command:
- sudo dnf install httpd -y
- After installation, start the web server.
- sudo systemctl start httpd
- Enable it to start automatically when the server boots.
- sudo systemctl enable httpd
Now open your browser and enter the public IP address of your instance. If everything is configured correctly, you should see the Apache test page.
Best Security Practices for AWS CentOS Stream 9 Servers
Security is extremely important when running a CentOS Stream 9 server on AWS. A few simple steps can significantly improve the safety of your cloud infrastructure.
First, consider disabling direct root login through SSH. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Always use strong and secure SSH keys instead of passwords. SSH keys provide a safer authentication method.
Keeping your system updated is another important step. Regular updates ensure your server has the latest security patches and software improvements.
You should also enable the firewall and allow only the ports that are truly necessary. This reduces exposure to potential attacks.
Finally, configure AWS security groups carefully. Only allow trusted IP addresses to connect through SSH whenever possible.
Common Issues When Running CentOS Stream 9 on AWS
Sometimes, beginners face connection or configuration issues when running CentOS Stream 9 on AWS EC2.
One common problem is being unable to connect through SSH. This often happens because the wrong key pair was used, the username is incorrect, or port 22 is blocked in the security group.
Another issue occurs when the instance appears to be running but is not accessible. In many cases, the public IP address may have changed, or the firewall rules may not allow incoming traffic.
If you face these issues, first verify the security group rules, confirm the correct username (centos), and make sure you are using the correct private key.
Checking these basic settings usually solves most connection problems.
Cost Considerations When Using AWS EC2
When running CentOS Stream 9 on AWS, understanding the pricing model is important. AWS charges based on the resources you use.
Several factors affect the cost of an AWS EC2 instance. The instance type determines how much CPU and memory your server has. Larger instances naturally cost more.
Storage also affects pricing. If you attach larger storage volumes, your monthly cost will increase.
Another factor is data transfer. Sending large amounts of data from your server to the internet may increase costs.
Finally, the AWS region you choose can slightly affect pricing because infrastructure costs vary between locations.
New AWS users may qualify for free-tier instances, which allow limited server usage without charges during the first year.
Alternatives to CentOS Stream 9 on AWS
Although CentOS Stream 9 is a great choice, there are other Linux distributions available on AWS.
Ubuntu Server is very popular among beginners because it has strong community support and frequent updates.
Rocky Linux is another enterprise-focused operating system designed as a direct replacement for CentOS Stream 9.
AlmaLinux is also compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and widely used in hosting environments.
Amazon Linux is optimized specifically for AWS infrastructure and integrates well with many AWS services.
Each distribution has its own strengths, so the best option depends on your project requirements.
Conclusion
Combining AWS’s scalable infrastructure with CentOS Stream 9 – an enterprise Linux distribution – allows developers and businesses to create flexible environments for hosting applications and managing services.
In this guide, we walk through the entire process of setting up a new EC2 instance, including how to launch an EC2 instance, configure security groups, use SSH key pairs to connect to your new server, and then follow the basic steps to update CentOS Stream 9 to prepare it for hosting applications.
After setting up your AWS Cloud Computing server, it will be possible to install additional web servers, to create and launch new applications, and to create highly scalable application solutions.
Because both AWS has a global footprint (data centers around the world) and CentOS Stream 9 is an exceptionally stable operating system, you will have an excellent development and production architecture. If you are new to cloud computing, you need not worry; managing your own CentOS Stream 9 cloud server on AWS will be easy once you practice for a while. Start building servers and experimenting; you will be amazed at how powerful cloud infrastructure is!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CentOS Stream 9 available on AWS?
Yes. CentOS Stream 9 Stream 9 images are available through the AWS Marketplace for launching EC2 instances.
Is CentOS Stream 9 free to use on AWS?
CentOS itself is free, but there might be additional costs; you pay for the AWS infrastructure resources you use.
What username is used for CentOS Stream 9 EC2 login?
The default username for a CentOS Stream 9 EC2 instance is ec2-user.
Is CentOS Stream 9 good for cloud servers?
Yes. It is stable, secure, and widely used for enterprise Linux server environments.